More than 3,500 people visited the U-M Museum of Natural History during its final weekend in the Ruthven Museums Building. Many former student docents, former employees, and generations of visitors filled the halls during the Last Day at the Museum on Saturday, December 31. Others danced with the dinosaurs at the Last Night at the Museum New Year’s Eve Gala.

The overwhelming response showed how widespread and significant an impact the Museum has had on people’s lives—careers were inspired, relationships formed, an appreciation for lifelong learning developed, and generations of families had shared experiences.After visiting with many guests, Museum Director Amy Harris said, “The outpouring of love and gratitude we received from guests exceeded our expectations—it was like getting a great big community hug!”